Zubei

Appearance

These often tall tribal people have a skin tone that ranges from a dark tan to darker shades of brown depending on the tribe. Their eyes are brown, and their hair is black and often textured, with some using ornaments made of bone or precious metals as decoration or colourful cloth woven into their hair. Clothing varies from tribe to tribe, with each having their own patterns and motifs.

170-190cm in height. Ranges within may vary from tribe to tribe.

Lifespan

Most live into their 60s, though it is not uncommon for some to reach a greater age. Depending on the region of the tribe and how well their lifestyle keeps them in good health, this is a contributing factor.

Religion & Beliefs

Zubei is home to a range of tribes, and even belief structures can vary as much as tribal structures. While some adhere to superstition, Ahaka, Utroghu, Bahl, and even Khomdon are worshipped in these lands as aspects of themselves that are different from those of other nations. (See main section on the gods.)

Geography

From the east, Zubei sweeps from the outer ranges of the Sahrai desert border, claiming a savannah like region as their own. To the north lies the Zakaran Jungle, where their Alia cousins reside, and to the south sits the border to the land of the Aphos, Kiyuli. The Saphir River cuts through the heart of Zubei from the north, though their border ends at the cliffs and the waterfall where the rivers continue on through Kiyuli and on to the Argai Sea.

Society

Tribes vary, but there is always a clear leader of the tribe. However these tribes are structured, there are many different conditions for leadership, with some leaders passing down the mantle to their children and others proving themselves through various means, including strength or intelligence.

Architecture

Families are important to the Zu people, and their homes are often built around communal areas. Depending on the tribe's wealth, these can range from tents to huts to larger structures. Adobe houses are frequently adorned with patterns painted in vibrant colors made from a variety of natural resources. Ancient ruins are also utilised and often set as the basis for new homes, with old stones forming floors and parts of walls showing through Adobe proudly.

Wealth & Trade

The Soljui are not only leaders of the tribes but also in trade, making powerful allies both within and outside of their lands. Many of the pigments used by artists across the map can be sourced from Zubei itself, even if they have passed through many hands. Gem mining is also a large part of the trade of Zubei, bringing much wealth to those regions.

Slavery

Slavery is alive and well within Zubei, with slaves making up much of the workforce of many tribes. These slaves are either inter-tribal war prisoners or traded from outside the lands. As with the variance of tribes, such is the nature of the lives of many slaves: some are generally treated well, while others are little more than animals to their masters and quite expendable.

Other Notes/Trivia

• Zu is a nod to the Zulu people of Africa, and there are many more nods to the wide and varied cultures of the African continent and history, though to be honest we can't quite remember what the entire name is comprised of.

• Africa is home to a wide and varied range of peoples, the tribes are purposefully left ambiguious so that people may draw their own inspiration from real-world counterparts if they wish to create their own tribe for the background of their character. This can also be useful when finding a real-world equivalent for your character design, name, or construction inspiration. Darfar, Kush, and The Black Kingdoms from Conan can be useful in-game inspiration.